Spanish Phrase
¿Qué hora es ahora?
Meaning
This sentence asks for the current time, literally 'What hour is it now?'. It is the most direct way to inquire about the exact time in Spanish.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you need to know the precise time, whether you are in a casual chat with friends, asking a stranger on the street, or checking the time in a formal setting like a meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéhoraesahora?
Qué (interrogative)
The word 'qué' with an accent asks for information; it means 'what' in questions.
hora (noun)
A feminine noun meaning 'hour' or 'time'. It is used without an article in this question.
es (verb ser)
Third‑person singular of the verb 'ser', used here to equate the subject (the time) with its value.
ahora (adverb)
Means 'now' and adds the temporal focus to the question.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hora es ahora?
What time is it now?
Son las tres y quince.
It's three fifteen.
✕Common Mistakes
Que hora es ahora?
Missing the accent changes 'qué' (what) to the conjunction 'que' (that).
¿Qué hora ahora?
The verb 'ser' should stay before the adverb; saying 'es ahora' is acceptable, but learners sometimes drop the verb entirely ('¿Qué hora ahora?'), which is ungrammatical.
¿Qué la hora es ahora?
Never add an article before 'hora' in this question; '*la hora*' would turn it into a statement rather than a direct question.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué hora es?
What time is it?
¿Qué hora tienes?
What time do you have?
¿Me podrías decir la hora?
Could you tell me the time?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the 24‑hour clock is common in written schedules, but spoken language often uses the 12‑hour format with 'de la mañana', 'de la tarde' or 'de la noche'. When asking strangers, a polite form is '¿Disculpe, qué hora es?' Adding 'disculpe' shows respect. Also, avoid using 'ser' for temporary states; here it is correct because time is considered an inherent characteristic.